Although scientists are not sure what the actual cause is for Rosacea, but they do know that it is different than the cause for acne.  Unlike acne, Rosacea involves sebaceous hair follicles, and is a condition that involves the skin and blood vessels.  It causes the blood vessels to dilate which brings about a flushing effect as well as other symptoms.  After frequent dilation, the blood vessels will stay dilated permanently.  That is why proper treatment is so important, to prevent permanent skin damage.

Know What Brings On Your Reactions

Rosacea reacts differently from person to person.  Therefore treatment begins by learning what is causing your specific reactions or triggers.  Cheese, vanilla, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, hot beverages, sunlight, spicy foods, stress, cold winds, vigorous exercise, steroids and alcohol-based skin products have all been known to be triggers.  Doctors do say that prevention of outbreaks is the key in fighting Rosacea.  It is very important to track the foods that you eat, habits, activities, and surroundings.  If you notice anything that may be causing symptoms, discontinue using that product, doing that activity, or eating that food item or at the very least try to as much as possible.

Know What Treatments Are Available

Understandably, it would be impossible to know all of the triggers that affect Rosacea, so when you begin to have a symptom like blushing, flushing, or breakouts of the skin, make sure that the treatment you use is for Rosacea and not for acne.  The lesions that resemble acne should be treated with oral as well as topical antibiotics.  This treatment should slow the growth of the P. Acnes bacteria, and Demodex mites as well.  Demodex mites grow five times as rapidly when Rosacea is present on the body than normal.  Medicines like Metronidazol, a topical antifungal treatment, are helpful in treating Rosacea as well.  Most importantly, try to use exfoliating grains or gentle, alcohol-free cleansers.

If you think that you may have developed Rosacea, make sure that you see your doctor or a dermatologist as soon as you can.  Although there is not a cure for Rosacea, there are working treatments that will help to avoid permanent skin damage.

There are as many as 90% of all teens around the world that experience problems of acne.  The American Medical Association recently did a study that revealed that one of the biggest worries of teenagers is acne.  It has the ability to affect to cause drastic problems with self-esteem issues.

There is a larger amount of information that is available today and one of the best ways to succeed in the fight against it is to become educated on why it has started.

Why does acne seem to focus on teens?

A hormone called androgens begins to be produced in your body at the beginning of puberty, and they are male hormones that are a natural part of boys and girls development, however boys do produce larger amounts than girls, in turn causing them to experience more breakouts.  Our body and face is covered with lots of little hairs, snuggly fitting into hair follicles, also known as pores.  Sebum is continuously being produced by the oil glands traveling along the hair and onto the skin forming a protective barrier between your skin and the outside world.  When the production of androgens begins, the oil glands begin working overtime.  The extra oil that is being produced can then become clogged in your pores, along with dead skin cells.  The white blood cells then try to fight off the problems causing your follicles to become swollen and the result are bumps that become red and painful, otherwise known as zits.  Contrary to popular belief they do not have a thing to do with how many times you wash your face, or the food that you eat.

Can I fight back against teen acne?

Preventing zits before they appear is the best way you can fight against the problem.  Below are some simple ideas that can help minimize the problems you have with breakouts.

Keep it nice and clean – It can help a great deal to wash with a mild cleanser and warm water every single day.  Teens natural produce higher amounts of oil, and your skin needs some of the sebum being produced so it can stay healthy.  Over washing can only result in your glands producing even more oil.

No harsh scrubbing - Exfoliating is fine, but you will need to use a formula that is gentle and contains grains that are smooth and small.  Products containing apricot fragments and almond should be avoided as they are known to cause irritation and they can even tear the skin, which will cause even more aggravation to the acne.

No alcohol – Toners are fine to use, but you need to use products that have a low concentration of isopropyl alcohol, and common rubbing alcohol should always be avoided.  Using alcohol can cause the top layer to be stripped from your skin, causing more oil to be produced and resulting in skin that is flaky with the possibility of even more blemishes.

No picking or squeezing – It can cause bacteria to go further down into the pores when you use your fingernails or other sharp objects to pick and squeeze blemishes.  This can result in more problems with infection and inflammation, and it also more likely to cause scarring.

Keep your hands away – Propionibacterium acnes are common bacteria that can lead to problems with acne when it becomes clogged in the pores.  When you touch your face this can force the bacteria into the follicles.

The choices in products - With any sunscreen, hairspray or makeup that you use, you will want to choose products that are non-comedogenic and are oil free, meaning they will be less likely to plug the pores, causing breakouts to worsen.

Think smart when it comes to the sun – The sun can help problems with acne, but it will only be temporarily.  Burns and even suntanning will cause dead skin cells to shed faster, which will result in more pores that are clogged in the long run.  When you head out in the sun make sure to wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or above and protects against both UVB and UVA rays, this will keep you protected from the suns harmful rays in case the acne treatments you are using have increased the sensitivity in your skin.

Use accessories wisely – Headbands and hats can cause rubbing or friction from the heat and they are known for causing breakouts.  You can add a thin layer of fabric made from cotton to the inside of your hats if you must wear them.  Make sure to shower as quickly as possible after sports games or working out.  Sitting around in a uniform that is sweaty can cause you even further problems with breakouts.

Stick to the regimen that works for you – Many over the counter products have the ability to improve most mild cases of acne.  Starting a treatment regimen before acne becomes severe will increase your chances of suffering from less emotional and physical problems in the long run.  It is always best to visit your dermatologist if your acne lasts for longer than a few weeks or if it worsens.

Below is a list of some of the products that are commonly used for the treatment of acne.

* Tretinoin – Helps to encourage renewal of skin and unplugs the pores
* Oral Contraceptives – Helps to regulate levels of the hormones
* Salicylic Acid – Helps to encourage renewal of skin and unplugs the pores
* Benzoyl Peroxide – Helps kill bacteria that can cause acne
* Antibiotics – Helps reduce inflammation and kills bacteria
* PROACTIV – A combination acne management system formulated by dermatologists
* Isotretinoin – Also known as Accutane – Used for the treatment of nodular acne or severe cystic acne.
* Anti-Androgens – Inhibits the natural production of hormones that cause acne

Remember that it is not your fault – Wearing makeup or eating French fries have not caused your face to become broken out with acne.  Knowing your specific triggers can help tremendously for decreasing the amount of breakouts with acne that you experience.

Salicylic acid is a mild treatment and is a keratolytic agent.  It helps the process of dead skin cells to be sloughed away.  It is an effective and safe treatment of mild cases of acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, oily skin and textural changes in individuals of most all skin types.

How It Works

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are mild solutions that can effectively treat acne.  They help to encourage the top layer of the skin to peel, along with the opening of clogged follicles.  This process will help the replacement of normal skin cells to reestablish.  In milder cases of acne, it helps to unplug the pores, which helps to prevent and resolve lesions.  Just like with a variety of topical treatments, it must continuously be used, even when lesions of acne have already healed.  Once its use has been discontinued, problems with clogged pores, uneven shedding and acne will return.

Where To Find It

Many products can be found without a prescription contain salicylic acid, and this would include creams, medicated pads, lotions and solutions that are alcohol based.

Side Effects That Are Most Common

Dryness is the side effect that is the most common in occurring.  Try applying a moisturizer that is oil-free and light when the skin appears to be scaly.

Irritation - Salicylic acid causes most irritation problems in children.  When irritation that is mild is experienced, you should try to decrease the frequency that you are using the product.  Discontinue use entirely if the irritation persists or is severe even with applications that are infrequent.

Precautions - Salicylic acid can cause the skin to become excessively dry, even when you use concentrations that are low.  When this problem arises, consider any other skin products you may be using.  There are products that will enhance salicylic acid and its keratolytic properties, which can cause the skin to become dry.  There are some things that you will want to avoid when using products that contain salicylic acid, such as:

* Cleansers and soaps that are abrasive
* Cosmetics that are medicated
* Preparations that contain alcohol
* Topical acne treatments that contain agents that enhance peeling
* Soaps or cosmetics that cause the skin to become dry
* Other types of skin medications that are topical

NOTE: This product can be absorbed in the skin.  If you plan to use salicylic acid over large areas and you plan on becoming pregnant, you should contact your physician.

Acne is a very widespread condition that affects almost everyone all around the world at some point in his or her life.  Although there are many advancements being made for the awareness of acne, there still seem to be an astounding number of myths concerning acne.  Whether these myths are being passed from one family member to the next, being read in various magazine publications, or if they are simply heard in passing, there are several that need to be dispelled.

There may be little harm in these myths for several people, but for others who experience acne that is persistent, many of these can turn into a much larger skin problem with practices that can cause their acne problems to become much worse.

The information below is to help discredit some of the common myths floating around, and provide you with information that will help you find the best treatment for your specific situation.

Dirt causes acne – This is false.  Blemishes can form when the oil that your body naturally produces are combined with dead skin cells, which will clog hair follicles, or your pores.  Dirt has nothing to do with this process.  Washing your face more frequently because of this myth will not improve your acne, but it can do a lot in making it worse.  Frequently washing with scrubs that may be harsh and pore strips can strip the oil your skin needs to stay pliable and soft, resulting in skin that is flaky and dry and can even produce excessive amounts of oil.

Only teens have acne – you can grow out of it – This particular myth can lead to a variety of problems.  Teens may feel like they can just wait the problem out instead of trying to find the proper treatment, which might result in problems with low self-esteem, and scarring can occur in severe forms of acne.  Adults can even experience further problems, as they often feel embarrassed to consult with a doctor for treatment.  They will often feel as if they are not doing something correctly, or they may wonder why they still have problems with acne, when it is not any fault of their own.  Acne can occur at any time, and it is a condition that is treatable.  Treatment may however vary in the duration and course of treatment for each individual.

Acne is merely a cosmetic condition – Acne is a condition that affects a person’s appearance, and it does not affect a person’s physical health.  It can drastically affect how a person feels about themselves and in how they may feel about the world around them.  It can cause tremendous problems with self-esteem issues as well as depression.  Scarring can also occur even after the acne is gone, which can lead to emotional scarring and permanent physical changes.  Treatment should never be avoided because someone has told you that acne is just a small problem.  The quicker you contact a professional, the quicker you will be able to enjoy much smoother skin.

Spot treatments are effective – This is false.  For numerous years products that can be obtained over the counter have made the claim that small amounts of medication that is placed on blemishes can clear acne up.  Because of the fact that blemishes can take up to 2 or 3 weeks for them to develop, you are only treating old symptoms of problems with acne rather than treating the actual problem.  Stopping problems with blemishes before they develop will give you much more success in enjoying smoother skin.  This means you will need to treat your entire face every single day, even when there are no blemishes present.

Specific foods cause acne – This is false.  There have been no connections made between the foods that you eat and acne.  Many foods like fried foods, chocolate and pizza that so many of us have avoided are not the culprits for causing our acne issues.  It is still however very important to eat healthy, as your body will then be able to have the strength that it needs to properly fight off infection.

Makeup is a known cause for acne – Many of the make up products available today contain non-comedogenic ingredients, and that means they will not cause your pores to become clogged.  When purchasing cosmetics you should always look for those that are oil-free or water based, is hypoallergenic or contains no fragrances, and those that include non-comedogenic ingredients.  Exercise that is strenuous can cause all types of makeup products to make its way across your skin and into the pores.

Too much sex can cause acne – This is false.  Hormones called androgens are produced in puberty and they are a contributing factor to acne.  Androgens and various other hormones can increase the sex drive, but they will not cause acne.

Antibiotics can lessen the effects of oral contraceptives – This is false.  It was thought for years that antibiotics taken along with oral contraceptives would end up causing more pregnancies, however this is not the case.  This particular myth should not hinder your efforts for finding the specific treatments of acne medications that will work well with your individual problems.

Sweating helps to clean the pores – Exercising is important for achieving a healthy body, and in some individuals it can cause outbreaks.  Oil production is stimulated during vigorous exercising, and the excess oil combined with friction, perspiration and heat can aggravate problems of acne on the back, forehead and chest.  Irritation can be minimized by loose fitting cotton clothing and by immediately showering after you are done exercising.  The safest form of exercising for sufferers of acne is swimming.  While you are in the water, heat, perspiration and friction do not have to be worried about.  Be careful not to wear a wet swimsuit for a prolonged time however because this can end up causing breakouts.

Exposure to the sun helps acne – This is false.  Small amounts of exposure to the sun may help initially and blemishes may not be noticed as much, but any exposure that is prolonged will cause exfoliation to occur more rapidly, in turn you receiving pores that are clogged.  Macules and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can become darker when you spend a great deal of time out in the sun.  Exposure to the sun can dramatically increase the chances you have in getting various cancers of the skin, and it can cause increase your chances of scarring as well.  It is always wise to use sunscreen that is oil free and an SPF of at least 15, protecting against both UVB and UVA rays.

Toning and scrubbing the skin stops acne – Harsh exfoliants purchased over the counter that include walnut shells or apricot pits can be very irritating and tear the skin, which will increase the chance of more breakouts and infection.  Toners that have an alcohol base can actually strip your skin of oils that are necessary, and they will leave your skin feeling irritated and dry.  You skin may also begin to produce larger amounts of oil.  For successful results you should use a medicated scrub that is gentle, and an alcohol free toner that is mild.  An alternative that is gentle to your skin would be witch hazel.

Stress can cause acne – This statement is somewhat true but exaggerated.  It does not actually cause acne, but it is responsible for triggering breakouts.  Cortisol is produced in higher amounts when the body is stressed, which then will cause the sebaceous glands to begin producing more oil.  It is hard to gauge general effects of the skin that is due to stress because every individual is so different.  Events that are exciting to us like weddings or a date can cause us to experience stress.  The response that you have to this stress will be much of the deciding factor in the amount of breakouts that you experience.

You can cure acne – This is false.  It may not be curable yet, but you can effectively treat acne.  The best treatment is to prevent initial blemishes from occurring.  There are many different treatments available, so if your breakouts seem to hang around you will want to consult with your dermatologist.  Even when blemishes have healed, the problem has not been cured.  You must always be diligent with the treatment that works best for your skin.

For acne cases that are moderate or severe, your doctor might want to prescribe both oral antibiotics and topical treatments.  Erythromycin, minocycline and tetracycline are common medications that are used for the treatment of acne.

How antibiotics work

Antibiotics help to control inflammation and the breakouts that occur by slowing down the production that your body generally produces of P. acnes, which is bacteria that is known to cause acne.  However, this form of treatment can take many weeks and even months to notice a difference.  Stopping treatment too soon may result in recurring outbreaks, and you can actually cause more irritation and clogging of the follicles by using more of the medication than is prescribed.  Oral medicines that are taken more frequently than are prescribed can result in side effects that are not pleasant, and you will not achieve clear ups any faster.

Where to find them

Your doctor can prescribe the specific types of antibiotics you may need, and you will need to talk to your doctor about any problems with moderate and severe outbreaks.  They can help you determine which treatment is best for your specific condition, and any changes should also be discussed, as treatment can be changed as needed.  Let your doctor decide when the time is right to discontinue use.

Most common side effects

With a variety of antibiotics that are commonly used in the treatment of acne, the most common effects are an elevated risk of obtaining sunburns or photosensitivity, lightheadedness or dizziness, upset stomach, skin discolorations and symptoms that are similar to those experienced with lupus and hives.  Several women report a higher occurrence of vaginal yeast infections while they are using antibiotic treatments, and these are easily treated with antifungal medications that can be found over the counter as well as in prescription form.  Children who are under the age of 12 and pregnant women should not take Tetracycline because it has been found to discolor the developing teeth.  This side effect is less common, but because of the fact that doxycycline is commonly used to treat Lyme disease, there has been the worry that patients taking this medicine for an extended period of time may end up building a resistance to it, which will make them unable to fight this disease.

Many of us think of adolescence when we think of acne, because puberty and pimples seem to go hand in hand, right along with all those body changes that are so bothersome.  It is true that teens are included in the largest percentage of individuals who suffer from acne, but they are not the only ones suffering from this problem.  Acne strikes in more than half of the adult women and in as much as a quarter of the adult male population, and this number is continuously on the rise.  As more studies are done, many realize that the physical, psychological and social effects of this troubling condition are not ones that simply disappear with age.

Why the sudden commotion about adult acne?

This is a hard question to answer.  The Goulden and Cunliffe did a study in 1999 called “Prevalence of facial acne in adults,” and found that mean age of individuals that were treated increased from 20.5 years to that of 26.5, in the period of one decade.  This could mean two different things, either there are a higher number of adults that get acne, or there are more adults who are deciding to receive treatment.  Both of these are more than likely the case.  Some studies suggest that the incidences of acne in adults have increased, and others feel that more adults and more particularly women are becoming much more concerned about the health of their skin than in previous years.

Lasting effects from a lingering problem

It does not matter if an individual’s acne begins at the age of 30, during adulthood, or in adolescence, the problems with acne can have lasting effects from both the psychological and physical standpoints.  Many dermatologists know that cases of adult acne are well known to cause acne scars that are permanent.  It is a lot harder for aged skin that has lost collagen to bounce back once tissue damage has occurred.  Problems with the scarring that can occur psychologically are a lot harder to trace.  For several years it was thought that older patients with acne suffered less effects than those that were younger and simply accepted the problems they suffered as part of life.  Because of fear of embarrassment, many adults experiencing acne will simply suffer silently and privately.

A stand!

In two developments that were recently completed, they suggested that perceptions made from the public might be changing.  Dermatologists have seen a rise in the number of adults suffering from acne who are requesting help.  This may largely be due to the products available on the market today.  Over the counter medications and treatments requiring a prescription have increased in sales.

New hopes and greater awareness

As acne is more and more recognized as problem that all age groups can suffer from, more advancement can be made in the treatment of the acne fight.  Now that many doctors are also realizing acne can also be a problem adults suffer from, more consideration will go into the specific causes and effects on the older generation.  More people will likely seek treatment as the increase continues to climb in public awareness.

Hormones & Problems With Adult Acne

Every month numerous women experience uncomfortable bloating, acne, cramping and mood swings.  Although experts have shown that hormones do in fact influence problems with acne, there has not been a large amount of research that has gone into this common problem.  However, a study that was recently conducted by Alan Shalita, MD, dermatologist, led to the confirmation that out of all women, half of them had breakouts with acne that occurred the week before they had their period.

This specific kind of acne that is known as hormonal acne may not respond to many of the traditional treatments for acne, such as topical antibiotics, systemic antibiotics and topical retinoids.  There are several factors that can assist your doctor into identifying acne that may be influenced by hormones:

* An increase of the oils in your face
* Menstrual cycles that are irregular
* Flare-ups of acne prior to menstruating
* Acne that begins in adults who have never had acne problems
* Blood tests revealing high levels of specific androgens
* Hair growing in strange places or excessive growth of hair, called Hirsutism

Acne that is influenced by hormones will normally start at age 20 to 25; it can begin in older women and teenagers as well, and can be persistent in those over 30.  Some women may tend to experience breakouts that are on the back and chest, however most women will experience them on the facial area, typically the jaw line and chin.  Acne that is influenced by hormones is generally experienced at moderate levels that are limited to a small amount of comedones, along with papules and nodules that are inflamed.
How the process begins

Usually when girls are 9 or 10 years of age dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate or DHEAS – known as an androgen, begins its production in the adrenal glands.  Also joining in at the first signs of puberty are dehydrotestosterone or DHT and testosterone – the male hormone that women produce.  Sebum or the natural oils of the skin are produced in higher quantities by the sebaceous glands as they are triggered by each of these hormones.  This excess oil production is exactly why more teens experience problems with acne, and because more male hormones are produced in boys, they tend to experience even more problems.

Acne in teens can be a challenging problem to treat, simply because the hormones are continuously hard at work.  Many less aggressive treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids that are sometimes taken along with an antiobotic, may work great for initial breakouts.  However, shifting within the hormones can begin and these types of medications will no longer work as well.  Because of this fact teens will generally need to adjust the treatments they use as the hormones change.
The cycle begins

Several women do not outgrow acne as they reach adulthood, and there are those who do not begin experiencing problems until they reach ages of 20 or 30, many of which will experience bothersome breakouts the week prior to starting their period.  If a woman is not using birth control methods with hormones, during mid-cycle the levels of estrogen will peak, and then they will become lower as the period nears.  When the ovulation process has completed, the hormone progesterone that is stimulated by the sebaceous glands begins its production in the ovaries, and in turn more acne can occur because of the excess oil that is produced.  Many women who are pregnant and in the third trimester can also experience acne because of the hormones that is present and causing more oil to be produced.  After the process of menopause has completed and as more testosterone is being produced and less estrogen, some women will experience problems with acne.
Can anything be done?

To enjoy the most success with fewer breakouts it is recommended that you see your dermatologist for breakouts that may be caused by hormones, as this is a problem that will become much worse during the menstrual cycle, and is not one that women can grow out of.  There is a variety of treatments that are very successful in lowering the level of breakouts experienced by hormonal acne.

Treatments can include systemic and topical treatments, along with contraceptives that are taken orally to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most common ingredients used that is extremely effective in the treatment of acne cases that are mild and non-inflammatory.  It can be used with other oral and topical treatments and it is safe for both adults and children.

How does it work?

Benzoyl peroxide destroys the bacteria P. acnes that are known to cause acne.  It works as an oxidizing agent and antiseptic that reduces the amount of pores that are blocked, or comodones.  Improvements may not be seen for as long as 2 or 3 weeks.

NOTE: Benzoyl Peroxide may in fact kill P. acnes, but it will not help with your body’s ability to naturally resist bacteria.  Since this specific treatment for acne does kill bacteria without affecting the production of sebum or the rate your dead skin cells are shed, stopping its use will cause acne and the bacteria to return.

Where can it be found?

Benzoyl Peroxide can easily be found in various non-prescription creams, lotions, cleaners and gels in a several concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%.  Prescription medicines can also be found in such products as Duac, ZenzaClin and Benzamycin.

Side Effects

* Irritation – You might try to decrease the number of times you use it if irritation that is mild occurs.  If you have problems that are severe and they seem to persist even when you cut down on applications, you should discontinue its use.
* Dryness – Dryness is the most common of side effects and is normally mild.  If your skin is visibly dry and scaly, try applying a moisturizer that is light and oil free.  If dryness is a problem and you use concentrations of 5 to 10% benzoyl peroxide, give your skin some rest from applications, then try a lower amount.
* Dermatitis – Contact dermatitis, which is skin that is itchy, dry and red, might be due to an allergy or irritation.  Stop using it right away and apply a topical steroid that is mild, such as a hydrocortisone cream that can be found in pharmacies.
* Bleached clothing – Allow your skin to dry thoroughly before coming in contact with your clothes as it has the ability to bleach fabrics.
* Allergies – Although allergies to this product are uncommon there are some people who will have an allergic reaction that is generally mild.  This is normally characterized by redness and becoming itchy.

While you may think you just have a case of acne, you may actually have something else or something in conjunction with acne.  Acne Vulgaris can be often accompanied with various other conditions of the skin that can at times be quite annoying.  Some of these conditions, such as Dandruff, occur in conjunction with acne; there are others that resemble acne itself but need a different type of treatment altogether to rid your skin of them.  If there is even a little doubt that your condition can be more than simple acne, you should consult a dermatologist for a conclusive diagnosis.  After reading the following information, you should at least be able to formulate the right kind of questions to ask your doctor.

Dandruff

Seborrheic Dermatitis also known as Dandruff is often accompanied with acne, especially affecting the skin of adolescents.  The reason that they occur together is not known but their causes are very similar.  The process of renewing scalp-cells goes into high gear when the scalp is trying to fight off Pityrosporum Ovale {P. Ovale}, which is a common fungus that can be found on every person’s head and causes the dead skin cells on the scalp to slough off faster than normal.  Its effect on the scalp is what we call dandruff, identified by scaling, flaking, and itching and sometimes small pimples on the scalp as well.  There are many things that can bring on a case of dandruff; the climate that you live in, hormones, heredity, your diet, and also stress.  Although in most cases, dandruff can be easily managed using shampoos that can be purchased over the counter and contain salicylic acid, zinc, or coal tar, there are cases in which stronger shampoos are needed and a prescription can easily be obtained by your doctor.  Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by over-washing your hair.  It is perfectly fine to shampoo your hair every day, although picking or scratching the scalp can make dandruff worse.

Acne Cosmetica

Acne Cosmetica, as its name suggests, is acne that is brought on by the use of cosmetics.  It is rather common, usually mild in severity, and triggered by the use of many various topical products, therefore it can occur on anyone, even those people who are not otherwise prone to acne.  It develops slowly between spans of a few weeks to a few months and is typically characterized by small, itchy, pinkish bumps on the forehead, cheeks, and chin.  Acne Cosmetica can be extremely persistent, but does not usually leave a scar.  When looking to buy make-up or skin products, try to look for the various products that are “non-comedogenic.”  Non-comedogenic products have less of a risk of causing an irritation or clogging your skin’s pores.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or Eczema, is a quickly red rash that spreads and is often swollen, itchy, and sometimes blistered.  Atopic dermatitis, a relative of hay fever and asthma allergies, often occurs in childhood ages.  This form of dermatitis can be caused by being in contact with detergents, chemicals, or a varied number of allergens like certain fragrances, rubber, latex, or preservatives.  Adults who have chronic dermatitis usually have a history of irritant reactions that often occur on the neck, eyelids and hands.  These areas of skin may become darker and thicker than the surrounding skin due to constant scratching.  Although it is hereditary and may come and go throughout a person‘s lifetime, an onset of dermatitis can also be brought on by factors of the environment as well.

Enlarged Pores

Before puberty, several people have skin that is smooth and pores that are relatively small. During adolescence, pores often become larger as production of sebum increases.  Also, as we get older, skin damage from the sun decreases skin elasticity, which makes pores look larger as well.  Once you reach adulthood genetics will determine the size of your pores.  People who have large pores tend to develop small gray blackheads on their cheeks and cheeks.  These blackheads are sebum that is being produced to line the sides of the pores, and is perfectly normal.  The bad practice of squeezing the sebum out of the pores may actually do irreparable damage to the pore and can cause the pores to be permanently enlarged.

Epidermal Cysts

An epidermal cyst is a growth that is sac-like and occurs deep within the skin. They are unlike cystic acne, which occurs within an infected follicle.  An epidermal cyst contains soft, white matter that can remain indefinitely or until it is surgically removed.  The small cyst, the diameter measures under 5mm, it does not usually require treatment.  These cysts can be quite a nuisance, but usually cause no problems.  Bigger cysts, on the other hand, tend to have a much higher infection rate and are extremely painful and can also scar the skin.  Epidermal cysts can be permanent even if it is extracted.  This leaves the cyst sac intact and prone to return.  Therefore, the whole cyst sac has to be extracted in order to prevent the recurrence of the cyst.  While most cysts are benign, it is very wise to talk to a doctor about any suspicious bumps or lumps that you may feel on your skin.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome mainly occurs among men and women who are over 50 years old because it is caused by sun damage that is severe and progressive and it typically happens over the span of several years.  Characterized by big coalescent comedones on the upper cheeks and around the eyes. Unlike the treatment for blackheads the Favre comedones will not regress with time if left untreated.  These comedones must be treated with a topical retinoid or extracted surgically.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is very common among teens and can be characterized by the tiny, red patches of bumps that appear with a hard kernel.  They can occur on the shoulders, backs of the arms, on the buttocks, on the front of the thighs, and occasionally the cheeks.  Although much different than acne, keratosis pilaris is painless when touched.  Keratosis Pilaris is more prevalent in arid climates and is worse during winter when the humidity is normally lower.

Milia

Milia are white bumps that are tiny and are usually found around the eye area.  Milia are cystic in appearance, hard when touched, and are located deep within the skin.  It can last weeks or months, but can also be removed by a dermatologist.

Peri-Oral Dermatitis

Occurring primarily in women between the ages of twenty and thirty, Peri-Oral Dermatitis can be characterized by itchy, tender patches or red spots that appear near your mouth.  The area around the lips can become dry and pale as the chin, cheeks, upper lip region, and sometimes the area around the nose may become flaky, dry, and red.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is often called “Shaving Bumps.”  Shaving bumps are caused when hairs that were shaved, plucked, or waxed begin the process of growing back and the tip of the hair gets stuck inside the hair follicle.  This causes the follicle to become swollen and irritated. Although not everyone will develop shaving bumps, it is more abundant with people who have curly hair.  There are steps that you can take to lessen your risk of developing this annoying condition.  The best tip is using electric razors whenever you can, but if you use blades to shave, then try using blades with a singled edge with every shave.  Use water that is warm and shaving cream that is rich, also make sure that you do not shave against the grain, you should always shave with it.  When you are finished shaving, be sure to apply antibacterial gel.

Rosacea

Rosacea is often mistakenly believed to be acne, and is a condition of the skin that is commonly affecting adults that are between the ages of 30 and 60.  Comedones are not involved with Rosacea, unlike with acne vulgaris, and only appear in the areas that tend to blush or get flushed with excited, embarrassment, or hot.  These areas include the neck, chest, and face.  The affected skin becomes red, bumpy, appear to be oily, and can also include pustules and papules.  Rosacea usually starts as only a slightly recurring and temporary annoyance, but can become an extremely chronic condition that could cause scarring.  It is important to remember that if you ever think that you have Rosacea, consult with a dermatologist as soon as you can.

Exercising in moderation is actually something that is very good for your skin, on top of helping you be able to achieve a much healthier body, as well as lowering the level of stress that you feel.  Generally when a person is experiencing problems with acne because of their regular exercise routine, it is normally due to some other factor like the types of clothes you may be wearing, the places where you may be exercising at, along with how vigorous your workout routine may be.  Acne problems that are related to exercising are normally caused by the types of clothing you are putting on your body rather than the type of exercising that you are doing with your body.  If you will simply try changing these other factors you may just be surprised at the fewer outbreaks you will experience.

Make-up

The makeup that you wear during a heavy exercise routine has the ability to clog your pores even when it is a non-comedogenic or oil-free cosmetic.  It is best to try to wear small amounts of makeup when you plan to workout.

Clothing

If acne on the body is a problem for you, then you might want to consider avoiding such garments as those that are made using only nylon or lycra.  Various types of synthetic material is known for trapping moisture and heat next to your skin, and this ends up creating the perfect area for bacteria to grow, which contributes to breakouts.  Wearing loose fitting clothing made of cotton or even a blend of cotton and lycra when you exercise is a good choice.  You skin will have a better ability to breath if you wear fabrics made with natural materials, and loose fitting items will cause less friction.  Some of the new choices in clothing that are designed with fabrics that do not allow moisture to cling to your skin are a good choice for vigorous exercising.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is always important if you are outside in the sun for any length of time.  It is true that your acne may show slight improvements after you have been in the sun for short periods of time, however testing that has been done shows that exposing your skin to the sun for extended periods of time can promote damage from the sun along with problems from your pores becoming clogged.  There are even some medicines that cause your skin to be highly sensitive to sun exposure, so for this reason using sunscreen will be even more important for you.  Sunscreens that offer protection of SPF 15 for both UVB and UVA rays are the best to use.  Just as with makeup products, sunscreen can also clog your pores so it is important to shower as quickly as possible after your workout.

Moisture

It is important to change from damp or wet clothes after you have vigorously worked out on the tennis court, treadmill, hiking trail, or any other form of activity where you become drenched with sweat.  If you are not able to shower right away, then you should at least change into clothing that is dry after you have wiped the excess moisture from your skin.  Wearing the wet and sweaty clothing for an extended period of time after you have worked out, and rubbing vigorously as you towel off, can both cause sunscreen and makeup to work further down into the pores.

Equipment

There are many individuals who end up with aggravated acne from the lesions that may be affected by the sports equipment that is used.  To ensure that this does not become a bother for you, make sure the helmet you use is the right fit and try adding a lining of cotton fabric that is soft and washable into the helmet.  If you wear a wetsuit, it should not be very tight underneath your arms.  No matter what type of equipment you use or what type of sport you enjoy the most, one of the most important measures you should take is to ensure that the equipment stays dry and clean when they are not being used.

Showering

Showering as soon as you have finished working out is always the best idea.  Always wash gently so your skin and existing blemishes are not aggravated, and you could also try using a medicated cleanser.  When showering immediately after working out is impossible, changing into dry clothing and wiping down with pads that are medicated can go a long way in preventing further breakouts.

Enjoying a healthy body AND healthy skin includes plenty of exercise.  As you notice any triggers that cause your acne to become worse you can easily remedy the problem, allowing you to enjoy workouts that are free of breakouts.